County-wide Vote Scheduled for Aug. 1 on Funding for Coliseum Redevelopment

Nassau County has scheduled a special election for Monday, August 1, on a referendum to fund a a new sports and entertainment complex at the Nassau Coliseum site in the Town of Hempstead. Referred to as the Hub, the proposed development would include a sports arena that would accommodate the New York Islanders professional hockey team and a minor league baseball stadium. Should residents approve the measure, County Executive Edward Mangano has said that construction would likely begin in 2012 and the facility would open no later than 2015.

Vote at your local polling place unless you received other instructions from the Nassau County Board of Elections. Polls will be open from 6 A.M. to 9 P.M.

The referendum reads: Shall a Local Law be approved to establish “The Nassau County Hub Area Development Program” (the “Hub Program”) and to (i) authorize the expenditure of up to $400,000,000, to be bonded by the County and expended solely for the construction of projects in the Hub Area including a new Nassau Coliseum, a minor league baseball stadium, and other economic development projects, (ii) established a line on property tax bills dedicated to the payment of the debt service associated with the Hub Program, and to (iii) to establish a special revenue fund dedicated exclusively to the payment of the debt service on the bonds issued pursuant to the Hub Program?

Suspects in Glen Head / Glenwood Burglaries Arrested

Nassau County Police have arrested three suspects in connection with three burglaries in the Glen Head / Glenwood Landing area in Nassau County, New York, according to Detective Lieutenant Commanding Officer Harun Begis in a letter to victims dated April 19.

In the letter, Detective Lieutenant Begis reported that there have been eight residential burglaries in the community since January. "The Nassau County Police Department has dedicated significant resources to enhance patrols in the area," he said. "We are actively pursuing every possible lead to apprehend and successfully prosecute the person(s) responsible."

Community Acts to Strengthen Security

Residents of Glen Head and Glenwood Landing have responded to a recent rash of break-ins by establishing an email address and email list to keep neighbors informed about security breaches. They also are posting Nassau County Police Department Crime Stopper signs throughout the community. A reward of up to $5,000 has been established for information leading to arrests through Crime Stoppers.

Glen Head - Glenwood Business Association Replacing Avenue of Flags Brackets

The Glen Head - Glenwood Business Association seeks donations to replace the failing brackets that for many years have held flags on Glen Head Road and Glenwood Road on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day.

The Glen Head-Glenwood Business Association, with support from Glenwood Landing American Legion Post #336, has maintained the Avenue of Flags for many years. Recently, wear and tear have taken a toll, and the brackets that hold the flags must be replaced.

To make a donation of any amount, please make a check payable to Glen Head - Glenwood Business Association 2011 American Flag Sponsorship. Please mail to or drop off at First National Bank of Long Island, 10 Glen Head Road, Glen Head, NY 11545, attention John Mulder.

Home Invasions: Best Protections

North Shore High School
Parent-Teacher-Student-Association
TOWN MEETING
Home Invasions in Our Community
Representatives from the Nassau County Police, 6th Precinct
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
High School Cafeteria at 7 P.M.
Glen Head, New York
Find out how to protect yourself, your property, and your home
ALL WELCOME

Historic Glenwood Landing Cemetery Landmarked

An historic cemetery in Glenwood Landing, where some 30 members of the Mott family are buried, has been landmarked by the Town of North Hempstead. The Motts settled on the eastern shore of Hempstead Harbor some four decades before the Revolutionary War in the communities now known as Glenwood Landing and Roslyn Harbor.

The application for landmark designation was submitted to the town by long-time Glenwood Landing resident Sally Sotirovich. Mrs. Sotirovich's research shows that the cemetery is the resting place of four generations of Motts.

The oldest surviving marker, above, dated 1817, is the gravestone of Robert J. Ross (photo courtesy Mrs. Sotirovich). Robert Ross was the first husband of Abigail Mott, daughter of Glorianna Coles and Revolutionary War veteran Jackson Mott. In 1776, Jackson Mott signed the Association at Cow Neck, which opposed the “oppressive acts” of the British Parliament, and fought in the Battle of Long Island as a member of the Wolver Hollow Militia. He died in 1828 and is buried at the Glenwood Landing site.

Settled in 1681, Glenwood Landing has a rich history of farming, sand mining, milling, oystering, fishing, boat building, and energy supply and production. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the community was a popular resort destination for celebrities and others, who vacationed at Karatsonyi’s Hotel, below, and similar facilities around Hempstead Harbor (postcard courtesy Gold Coast Public Library).

The Mott Cemetery is the first historic site in Glenwood Landing to be landmarked. Mrs. Sotirovich’s research shows that the Mott family arrived in Glenwood Landing and Roslyn Harbor in 1734 from Motts Point in Port Washington. In 1751, Jacob Mott purchased the “Lower Mott Farm,” which extended from Hempstead Harbor to present-day Cody Avenue and included much of present-day Glenwood Landing.

According to Mrs. Sotirovich, the cemetery was located on the farm. The first interment appears to have been about 1802. It is probable that Jacob is buried in the cemetery, but no headstone remains. Jackson, the Revolutionary War soldier and Jacob’s son, lived on the north shore of Motts Cove in a house thought to have been built about 1700. He operated two mills, one located near the front entrance of the present-day Swan Club and one on the south side of present-day Scudders Lane opposite Vine Street.

Jackson Mott’s grandson, Stephen Mott, who also is buried in the cemetery, was the captain of the steamship Idlewild, below, which regularly sailed from Peck’s Slip, near the present-day South Street Seaport in lower Manhattan, to Glenwood Landing (photo courtesy Port Washington Public Library).


Following a hearing in June conducted by the Town of North Hempstead Historic Landmark Commission, the commission recommended landmark status for the cemetery. On September 14, the Town Board unanimously approved a resolution introduced by Councilman Thomas K. Dwyer designating the cemetery as a landmark.

The cemetery is owned by heirs of the Mott family and is not open to the public. A group of local residents is forming the Friends of Mott Cemetery to help preserve and maintain the cemetery and its gravesites. For more information, contact MottCemetery@aol.com.

Happy 216th Birthday William Cullen Bryant

Saturday, Oct. 30: Friends of Cedarmere, a group incorporated this year, reports progress in partnering with Nassau County to reopen Cedarmere, a county-owned historic site and nature preserve. The group also hopes to restore the legacy of William Cullen Bryant (1794 to 1878), a poet, founder of the Republican Party, confidant of Abraham Lincoln, and editor of New York City's Evening Post for 50 years.

Cedarmere, Bryant's home on Hempstead Harbor in Roslyn Harbor, was the "it" place for the 19th century's most distinguished authors, artists, architects, and landscape designers. The Bryant Library in Roslyn and Bryant Park adjacent to the New York Public Library in Manhattan are named for the 19th century man of letters. A statue of Bryant, installed in 1911 shortly after the New York Public Library was completed, still graces the park. Many people will remember memorizing Thanatopsis, or Meditations on Death, Bryant's most famous poem, in high school—an activity that is still frequently included in the high school curriculum.

If the Friends effort is unsuccessful, Cedarmere could conceivably be sold and developed at some point in the future, and many aspects of Bryant's historic significance could slip into oblivion. The group recently met to discuss developments and plans for the future. The event included a celebration of Bryant's 216th birthday, complete with an appearance and a reading by the man himself, played by Frank Hendricks of Glen Cove, shown above cutting his birthday cake.

Cleanup To Begin on Sunoco Property in Glen Head

The Town of Oyster Bay and Sunoco appear to have agreed on a price for the town to purchase the recently closed gas station on the southeast corner of Glen Head Road and Glen Cove Avenue, where another potential buyer had been considering opening a 7-Eleven. A contract has been reviewed by attorneys for the town and Sunco. An environmental review has been completed. The review found "minor" contamination. Sunoco has agreed to conduct the cleanup, which is expected to begin within the next two weeks. The process will probably take about a month and will conclude with an inspection by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. It appears that the town and Sunoco will not sign a contract to transfer ownership until the middle of January.

Gubernatorial Debates 2010 at Hofstra

According to a press release from Hofstra University, seven candidates for Governor of New York State will appear together in a debate at Hofstra on Monday, October 18, at 7 p.m. The debate will be broadcast live by News 12 and several other cable or Internet outlets. An excerpt from the press release is below.

NEWS 12, NEWSDAY, AND HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY
PARTNER TO BRING THE FIRST GUBERNATORIAL DEBATE TO NEW YORK

News 12 Networks, Newsday, and Hofstra University have partnered to present the first New York State Gubernatorial debate on Monday, October 18 at 7:00 p.m. On television, the cable-exclusive event will air live on News 12 Long Island, News 12 Westchester, News 12 Hudson Valley, News 12 The Bronx and News 12 Brooklyn. It will also be carried on Time Warner Cable’s NY1 and YNN, providing coverage throughout the state.

The debate will be held in front of a live audience of invited guests, including community members, local leaders, and Hofstra students. All seven candidates in the race have been invited to attend, and have confirmed:

Charles Barron (Freedom Party)
Andrew Cuomo (Democratic Party)
Kristin Davis (Anti-Prohibition Party)
Howie Hawkins (Green Party)
Jimmy McMillan (Rent is too Damn High Party)
Carl Paladino (Republican Party)
Warren Redlich (Libertarian Party)

In addition to airing on cable, News 12 and Newsday, as part of their commitment to serve as leading resources of news and information in New York, are streaming the event live on www.news12.com and www.newsday.com, making the debate available to anyone with Internet access.

Scudders Pond Restoration Plan Unveiled

Learn about the important quality improvements planned for Scudders Pond and the Scudders Pond Watershed at a public meeting on Wednesday, May 26, at 7 P.M. at North Shore Country Club.

The Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee has secured multiple grants to upgrade storm drains and make other improvements in and around Scudders Pond and to prepare a restoration plan. At the meeting, Cashin Associates, the consultant on the project, will present the plan and take public comments.

The Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee is an inter-municipal organization made up of the nine municipalities surrounding Hempstead Harbor. The Glenwood / Glen Head Civic Association and the United Civic Council of Glen Head and Glenwood Landing serve as technical advisors.

The project is funded by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund administered by the New York State Department of State and by the Nassau County Environmental Bond Act, with the Village of Sea Cliff administering the funding.

The meeting is hosted by North Shore Country Club, 500 Shore Road, Sea Cliff.

What's Your Vision for Muttontown Preserve?

Let Nassau County know how you think Muttontown Preserve—and all the nature preserves in Nassau County, Long Island, New York—should be managed at a public planning meeting on Saturday, May 22, from 9:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.

Identify and explore community ideas and desires for the Muttontown Preserve Master Plan currently being drafted for the county by Saratoga Associates, a consulting firm.

According to county staff, the Muttontown plan will be used as a prototype for creating other master plans for other preserves throughout the county.

This is the second community meeting held to obtain community input for the Muttontown plan. A standing-room-only crowd turned out for the first meeting in March.

The May meeting will be held at The Hoffman Center, 6000 Northern Blvd.m East Norwich, NY 11732. RSVP.

Hempstead Harbor Highlights Water Quality Improvements in New York State

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis, right, with Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi, visited Hempstead Harbor yesterday, kicking off a state-wide tour of sites that showcase the most significant environmental improvements achieved in New York State since the first Earth Day was celebrated 40 years ago.

Commissioner Grannis announced the anticipated opening of Hempstead Harbor to shellfishing, an activity that has been prohibited in Hempstead Harbor for decades owing to poor water quality. State studies show that the water is now clean enough for the ban to be lifted. If federal data confirm state findings, shellfishing soon will be permitted in certain designated areas.

Much of the improvement in water quality is due to the work of the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee, an inter-municipal organization made up of the nine municipalities surrounding Hempstead Harbor, as well as local community groups and state agencies that serve as technical advisors.

Each municipal government—Nassau County, the towns of Oyster Bay and North Hempstead, the City of Glen Cove, and the villages of Sea Cliff, Roslyn Harbor, Roslyn, Flower Hill, and Sands Point—appoints a representative and pays modest dues to participate in the committee.

The NYS Department of State, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, United Civic Council of Glen Head and Glenwood Landing, New York Sea Grant, Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor, and Glenwood / Glen Head Civic Association serve on the committee as technical advisors.

Since the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee was established 15 years ago, it has completed water quality improvement and harbor management plans and has secured nearly $3 million in grants to implement plan recommendations.

“The projects the committee undertakes—like storm drain inserts or water quality testing—may not always seem terribly exciting, but they are awfully important, ” Glenwood / Glen Head Civic Association President Patrice Benneward said.

“Progress is often painstakingly slow, but the local and state commitment to the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee has been tenacious. We appreciate all that our state agencies and municipal governments have done and look forward to continuing to work together on many projects that continue to improve and protect Hempstead Harbor.”

Other speakers included Department of Environmental Conservation Regional Director Peter Scully, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, Town of Hempstead Councilman Fred Pollack, Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee Chairperson Bill Clemency, Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi, Village of Sea Cliff Mayor Bruce Kennedy, Village of Roslyn Harbor Mayor Yvette Edidin, Carol DiPaolo of the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor, and Pat Aitkin of Friends of the Bay (see photos below).

The civic association has supported the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee since the committee's early days by providing letters of support for grant applications, assisting with public outreach, and helping to set the environmental agenda. The Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor has been testing water quality in the harbor for more than a decade in partnership with the committee, Nassau County, the Town of Oyster Bay, and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

Among the activities that have contributed to the overall environmental improvement of Hempstead Harbor are an upgrade in wastewater treatment at Glen Cove, conversion of Roslyn’s wastewater treatment facility to a pump station, designation of a no-discharge zone for watercraft, closure of two incinerators and a landfill, implementation of a nitrogen limit for Long island Sound, removal of rotting barges from a nearby sand mining operation, and wetland restoration.

In addition to many grants aimed directly at water quality improvement, the municipalities on the committee have recently obtained grants to construct canoe and kayak trails in Manhasset Bay, Hempsead Harbor, Oyster Bay, and Cold Spring Harbor.

Peter Scully, Director, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Long Island Region, flanked by Carol DiPaolo, Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor (right), Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Rebecca Alesia, and Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto.


Bill Clemency, Deputy Mayor, Village of Flower Hill, and Chair, Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee.


Carol DiPaolo, Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor.


Eric Swenson, Director, Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee, left, and GeesePeace founder David Feld.


Fred Pollack, Town of North Hempstead Councilman and Representative, Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee.


Sea Cliff Mayor Bruce Kennedy and Roslyn Harbor Mayor Yvette Edidin.


Pat Aitken, Director, Friends of the Bay.


Members of the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor, a non-profit organization made up of concerned citizens that is a technical advisor to the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee, an inter-municipal organization made up of local government representatives.

NYS DEC Commissioner to Visit Hempstead Harbor

Mark the 40th anniversary of Earth Day by celebrating the environmental improvements that have been achieved in Hempstead Harbor at a media event with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis and the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee.

The event will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 18, at Morgan Park, Glen Cove. All those who enjoy and care about Hempstead Harbor and invited to attend.

The anticipated opening of a portion of the harbor to shellfish harvesting for the first time in more than 50 years and the important role that citizens can play in bringing about environmental improvements will be emphasized.

The Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee (HHPC) is an inter-municipal organization made up of the municipalities surrounding the harbor. HHPC has obtained grants to create harbor management and water quality improvement plans, improve conditions at Scudders Pond, and begin development of a canoe/kayak trail in Hempstead Harbor, Oyster Bay, and Cold Spring Harbor—among many other important environmental projects.

The Glenwood / Glen Head Civic Association is a technical advisor to HHPC and a strong supporter of the committee's work, as is the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor, a non-profit organization.

DIRECTIONS TO MORGAN PARK from Glen Cove Fire House at northern end of NYS Rt. 107: Turn right onto Brewster Street. At first light, make a left onto Mill Hill Road (take the fork going UPHILL). At the top of the hill bear left onto a street called The Place. Make the third left onto McLoughlin Street (you will see a sign for Morgan Park there). Follow McLoughlin Street almost to the end, and make a right onto Germaine Street. The entrance to the parking lot will be on the left.

Appraisals Obained for Former Sunoco Station in Glen Head

Reliable sources report that discussion is underway between the Town of Oyster Bay and the owner of the lot on southeast corner of Glen Head Road and Glen Cove Avenue for town purchase of the property, that both parties have obtained appraisals, and that there is a significant difference between the two appraisal figures.

Montesano Is Glen Head's New State Assemblyman

The Associated Press reports that Mike Montesano (R) won yesterday's special election in New York State Assembly District 15, which includes much of Glen Head.

According to the Associated Press, Mr. Montesano received 72 percent of the vote in the special election against Matt Ming (D). He will finish the term of Rob Walker (R), who resigned to accept a position in the administration of Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, and will be required to run again this November.

Candidates for NYS Assembly District 15

The candidates for the New York State Assembly seat in District 15 are Matt Meng (D) of East Norwich and Mike Montesano (R) of Glen Head.

A special election will be held on February 9 to fill the seat vacated by Rob Walker, who resigned to become Chief Deputy County Executive in the Mangano administration. Ed Mangano (R) was sworn in as Nassau County Executive on January 1.

The 15th Assembly District includes part of Glen Head and Glenwood Landing. Other communities in the district are Bethpage, Brookville, East Garden City, East Hills, East Meadow, East Norwich, Greenvale, Hicksville, Jericho, Lattingtown, Laurel Hollow, Levittown, Locust Valley, Matinecock, Muttontown, New Cassel, Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Oyster Bay, Oyster Bay Cove, Plainview, Salisbury, Syosset, Upper Brookville, and Westbury.





To learn whether you live in the 15th Assembly District, contact the Nassau County Board of Elections (516-571-2411) or consult the interactive map maintained by the New York State Board of Elections.

THE CANDIDATES

Mr. Ming operates The Little Garage, a BMW specialty shop, in Huntington. Mr. Montesano, an attorney, maintains an office in Glen Cove.

Both men have run for other offices: Mr. Meng for Oyster Bay Town Clerk and New York State Senate; Mr. Montesano for Nassau County Legislature

A former New York City Police Detective and Emergency Medical Technician, Mr. Montesano has been Acting Justice in the Village of Roslyn Harbor since 2003. He was a prosecuting attorney in Roslyn Harbor from 1998 to 2003, has taught law courses at the New York Institute of Technology, and received the Practitioner of the Year award from the Nassau County Criminal Court’s Bar Association.

Mr. Meng has been active in civic affairs for many years. He has been a member of the Nassau County Dept. of Parks, Recreation & Museums Advisory Board and president of the East Norwich Civic Association and served on the board of the Friends of the Bay. He helped to found and has served on the boards of the Long Island Drinking Water Coalition, United Civic Associations of North Oyster Bay, Long Island Environmental Voters Forum, and STOP Avalon Coalition.

Travel Back in Time with the Glenwood Landing Historical Society

The recently formed Glenwood Landing Historical Society will hold its inaugural event on Saturday, January 23, at 7 P.M. at Glenwood Community Church, 71 Grove Street.

The evening will focus on Glenwood Landing during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Historical photographs, postcards, articles, atlases, censuses, and other memorabilia will be displayed.

There also will be an opportunity to learn about Glenwood Landing celebrities and some of the nation's oldest sailing vessels in continuous services.

Light refreshments will be served.

Special Election to Fill Assembly Seat in Part of Glen Head

Rob Walker (R) has resigned the New York State Assembly seat he first won in a special election in 2005, succeeding Assemblywoman Donna Ferrara (R).

Mr. Walker and Ms. Ferrara represented the 15th Assembly District, which includes some of Glen Head and extends northeast to Oyster Bay and southeast to Hicksville and East Meadow.

Mr. Walker resigned to join the administration of Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano as Chief Deputy County Executive. Ms. Ferrara resigned to accept an appointment to the New York State Workers' Compensation Board.

A special election to fill the 15th Assembly District vacancy left by Mr. Walker's resignation will be held on Tuesday, February 9. According to the Nassau County Board of Elections, the names that will appear on the ballot will be finalized on January 15 and available on January 16. The names will be posted here, on The Glenwood / Glen Head Civic Spot.

Whoever wins the special election will be required to run again in November, when the Assembly term normally expires.

Mr. Walker, 34, was Mr. Mangano's campaign manager. In 1996, he was a legislative intern in Mr. Mangano's office and has served as the Town of Oyster Bay’s Deputy Commissioner of Parks, helped to implement the town’s environmental bond program, and was assistant to Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto.

Before his election as County Executive in November 2009, Mr. Mangano was a Nassau County Legislator representing the 17th Legislative District, which includes Hicksville, Bethpage, and Plainedge. Mr. Walker's mother, Rose Marie Walker, replaces Mr. Mangano as Legislator in the 17th Legislative District. Mrs. Walker had served on the Oyster Bay Town Council since 2003.

TOB Considers Purchase of Glen Head Lot

According to information mailed to many local residents in October, the Town of Oyster Bay (TOB) is exploring the possibility of purchasing the former Sunoco gas station property on the southeast corner of Glen Head Road and Glen Cove Avenue for use as a pocket park or village green.

Glen Head - Glenwood Civic Council President George Pombar reports that TOB has confirmed that the town is seeking an appraisal of the property and will negotiate with whomever owns the property once the appraisal is complete and a decision is made about whether to move forward with purchase. According to Mr. Pombar, TOB anticipates that the appraisal process will conclude in about a month.

TOB's interest in the property came after the Civic Council approached the town about the desirability of passive open space at this highly visible, central location.

The Sunoco Corporation put the property on the market about two years ago. Four months ago, an Old Brookville resident signed an agreement for purchase, intending to sign a lease with the 7-Eleven Corporation to open a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a week convenience store.

Concerned about such a use at this location, seven local civic associations (all members of the Glen Head-Glenwood Civic Council, Inc.), approached the new owner about their misgivings. The purchaser subsequently abandoned the 7-Eleven plan for an agreement with the owner of the Super Seven store on Glen Cove Avenue. This agreement envisions a convenience store that would, supposedly, close by 10 P.M. and that would include an unmanned automatic car wash.

"We have heard from many residents that a pocket park or village green would be desirable at this central, highly visible location, and we were quick to let the Supervisor know," Mr. Pombar said. “The Supervisor's office has advised us that TOB is proceeding with an appraisal of the property and will negotiate with whomever the property owner is at the time the appraisal is ready, which is expected sometime next month."

Check back for news about the future of the site as it becomes available.

Civics Comment on Glenwood Landing Power Station Permit Renewal

The United Civics of Glen Head and Glenwood Landing today submitted comments to the New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation on National Grid's application to renew its State Pollution Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit for the Glenwood Landing Power Station.

Other groups that submitted comments are the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor, Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee, Town of Oyster Bay, and Network for New Energy Choices.

THE CIVIC COUNCIL'S COMMENTS

The Glen Head – Glenwood Civic Council is an alliance of the six civic groups (Glen Knolls-Glen Head Estates, Glenwood-Glen Head, Harbor View, Hill Terrace, Todd Estates civic associations and the Radcliff Manor neighborhood association) active in the neighborhoods closest to the Glenwood Landing Power Station. Our member organizations are particularly interested in land use and water quality issues that impact Hempstead Harbor and nearby neighborhoods.

The Council, along with its member organizations, often works with the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor on matters of mutual interest and serves as technical advisor to the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee. Collectively, we pride ourselves on our efforts to balance the many competing interests in our community from a civic-based point of view.

Our comments concerning the application to renew the SPDES permit for the Glenwood Landing Generating Station follow:

• Immediate, cost-effective steps should be taken to reduce the entrainment and impingement of marine life.

We understand that a fish return system, continuously operated traveling screens, and aggressive pump shutdowns when one or both of these systems are not operating are already in place. We believe that adding variable speed pumps to these measures could significantly reduce the toll on marine life in a cost-effective manor. We believe that variable speed pumps should be installed and brought on line as soon as possible. The installation of variable speed pumps should be accompanied by a monitoring schedule sufficient for determining the effectiveness of the pumps and the impact of their use on marine life.

We do not believe that it is appropriate to delay installation of variable speed pumps until 2013, when the Public Service Agreement (PSA) between National Grid/KeySpan and the Long Island Power Authority expires. Rather, when the PSA expires, the permit and advisability of other recommended technologies should be reevaluated based upon whatever decisions are made about the Glenwood Landing facility at that time.

• The owner of the Glenwood Landing facility and the identity of the permit holder should be clarified.

The permit, fact sheet, and application should list the actual owner of the facility. Although National Grid has acquired KeySpan, KeySpan is listed as the owner/operator in the SPDES fact sheet and is referred to again in that document. The permit requirements should pertain specifically to the operation of the Glenwood Landing facility regardless of any change in who operates it or who holds the permit. If KeySpan is somehow attached to the permit, will this have any bearing on future operation, installation of best technologies, or permitting?

• More details concerning closed-cycle cooling that are specific to the Glenwood Landing facility should be provided.

We understand that closed-cycle cooling is currently considered the most effective means of reducing the amount of water used for cooling, thereby producing a presumed 95% reduction in the entrainment and impingement of marine animals. We also understand that DEC has determined, at least for the moment, that closed-cycle cooling is not appropriate for the Glenwood Landing facility due to limited space and other considerations.

As this decision could, potentially, be a significant factor in determining whether a utility presence is maintained or expanded in Glenwood Landing in the foreseeable future, with significant impacts on the environment, quality of life in nearby neighborhoods, and tax base, we request answers to questions such as:

• How much space would a closed-cycle cooling system require for the Glenwood Landing facility operating at the current capacity (below 15%).

• How long it would take to design and install such a system?

• Could such a system be retrofitted if, in the future, the Glenwood Landing facility began operating at more than 15% capacity?

• What is the maximum distance from operating units that a closed-cycle system can efficiently be sited? Must the system be located directly on the waterfront? Could the siting of the system threaten public acquisition of the former propane storage facility on Shore Road in the Town of Oyster Bay?

• What specific local ordinances are referenced in the fact sheet relating to siting of a closed-cycle cooling system at the Glenwood Landing facility? Why are these ordinance relevant (in past conversations with this community, the utilities have expressed the view that they are not bound by local ordinances)?

• What are the local, state, and federal noise limitations for the site and what are the noise levels emitted by a closed-cycle system?

• What is the source of the water for the system and how is the water delivered?

• What are the dimensions of the cooling tanks that would be required at the Glenwood Landing facility operating at the present capacity and/or the structures that house them? What would the dimensions be if the operation of the facility were stepped up?

Any evaluation of closed-cycle cooling for the Glenwood Landing facility should include informing the community about all aspects of the system that will affect residents and resources, including the potential for increased noise levels, the size and location of any structure needed to house the system, the efficacy and/or impacts of siting the system beyond the immediate area of the specific power generation units, and the water resources and effluent requirements needed to operate the system.

If these impacts are determined to be minimal, the benefit of closed-cycle cooling (i.e., a major reduction in the mortality of marine life in Hempstead Harbor) would likely outweigh them. Assuming that the Glenwood Landing facility continues to operate after the expiration of the PSA and if, after a full assessment of the potential impacts and efficacy of closed-cycle cooling for the facility, it is determined that closed-cycle cooling is the best technology for the site, the permit should require that this technology be used in 2013.